Name or Alias
Denisha aka Nisha
What is your hair story?
In March 2014, I decided to stop getting relaxer when I noticed it was causing more harm than good for my hair. Also, my hair wasn't responding to it like it did in the past. I think it was my hair telling me that we didn't need the "creamy crack" anymore, lol! I decided to transition back to natural for a year and then big chop my hair. During this year of transitioning, I went through ups and downs with my hair; especially during the 4-8 months of transitioning. My hair was a tangled mess, but I didn't give up on my hair. This is when I was introduced to Shea Moisture and Oyin Handmade (specifically their Honey Hemp conditioner), which eased my transitioning journey. Instead of hiding my hair in braids, wings or sew-ins, I wanted to build a relationship with my hair. During the transitioning journey, I educated myself on natural hair, products, styles, and different textures in the natural hair community. I found that educating myself on natural hair early strengthened the relationship with my hair even more. When I reached a year transitioning this past March, I was so proud of myself, and decided to "mini" big chopped on April 6th (my 25th birthday). I admit I was a bit nervous, but cutting my hair was indeed LIBERATING!! I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR!!!
How did your early life and family play into your journey?
I have a few family members, and friends who are natural. Growing up, my hair was thick, coarse and break a comb hair! I was always told I had "good hair" because it was so versatile, and I could hold different hair styles. When I decided to go back to natural, I remembered what my family members had said about my hair. It's a key element that kept me from reaching for a relaxer. There was a lot of support from my family to go back to natural. For one, it's my hair and I can do with it whatever I want, and it's just hair!
How did other respond to your decision?
Though most people I knew were happy for my decision to go back to natural, there were doubters. There's this negative image of natural hair the media/society likes to through shade at. I got comments like "Ew, you want nappy hair", "It's not professional", "It's going to look a hot mess" and the famous "You'll regret it" I simply ignored those comments, and kept positive people in my corner.
What or who inspires you to stay natural?
My family and friends that are natural keep me motivated to stay natural. Also, individuals within the natural hair community have continued to be positive, and share their experiences. I'm continuously looking at blogs, YouTube videos, and pictures of naturalists! I've always been into hair, and now that I'm natural it's a lot easier because I stay educated on this topic! I'm also my own inspiration with the pictures of my relaxed days. My hair today is so thick, kinky curly and healthier than it was years ago! I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK!
What was the most important/interesting thing you learned about yourself during your natural hair journey?
Building a strong relationship with my hair is the MOST IMPORTANT! I doubt that I would have the same outlook on my hair now, if I decided to cover it up for a year! Seeing the transition from relaxed to natural over a year was one of the coolest experiences I've been through. I also noticed how tightly curled my hair was, which is what I found interesting the more my hair grew. I didn't remember my natural curl pattern!
What is your hair regimen?
I try to keep my regimen as simplistic as possible. During my transition, I was told to not invest in many products head on..just keep my hair moisturized! Since I'm 100% natural now, I will dabble into some other products.
I currently use:
Coconut Oil (sealant)
Tresemme Naturals Conditioner (cowash)
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (clarify monthly)
Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Avocado, Jamaican Black Castor Oil
**THESE PRODUCTS ARE CONSIDERED MY HOLY GRAIL**
What is your go-to/favorite style
I love to rock my afro whenever I can, and I like to do a twist to enhance my natural curl pattern. During my transition, I always wore a flat twist halo style. I found this style to work with everything (casual/dressy), and twist strand twist were cool too. I'm excited to see what styles I can rock during the Spring/Summer months.
What message would you like to convey to other naturals? A Motto or Creed?
Build a strong relationship with your hair, and love your hair at every stage! Also, don't get caught up in the "hair typing system". Instead, educate yourself on different textures during your transitioning. You'll learn to appreciate natural hair a lot more when you're looking at different naturalists. Lastly, support your sisters and brothers in the natural hair community!
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